Tuesday, January 1, 2013

49ers Sign Kicker Cundiff, Keep Struggling Akers

Cundiff came to Santa Clara on Monday for his second workout this season with the 49ers, after Akers went 2 for 4 on field goals in Sunday's win over the Cardinals.

Even bigger news was the fact San Francisco kept the struggling Akers on the roster, letting go of Bakhtiari instead of releasing Akers. The 49ers will carry two kickers on the roster presumably into next Saturday's second round game of the playoffs.

Cundiff is most known for missing a 32-yard field goal with 15 seconds left in the game to tie the Patriots in last year's AFC Championship. The Ravens then released him, as did the Redskins earlier this season.

One reason for keeping Akers might be because of Akers' presence in the locker room. he has developed bonds with his 49ers teammates and is a key leader behind the scenes. Losing his voice in the locker room may be worse than actually losing his foot, at this point.

All indications, though, point to Cundiff starting when the 49ers play again on January 12.